Know Before You Go: Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts (Austin, Texas)
What started as a simple celebratory weekend getaway turned into one of our biggest surprise dining highlights of the year. The history and character of the Commodore Perry Estate offers a distinctive Southern-style charm in this 10-acre urban oasis on Waller Creek. However, the dining program here, led by a husband-and-wife team who have trained at some of the world’s best restaurants, is the real draw. After spending a day at the pool and strolling the gardens, we joined football game-day festivities at The Mansion before having dinner at Lutie’s — the best meal we have had in Texas. With just 54 character-filled guest rooms, staying here feels more like being a guest at a private residence than at a hotel. The property is family-friendly, especially in summers, but the activities and services here are somewhat limited. Overall, a great overnight getaway and destination dining property for those looking for a memorable night or two away.
OVERALL RATING
💛💛💛💛
Notable
Rating Legend*
💛💛💛💛💛 Exceptional
💛💛💛💛 Notable
💛💛💛 Standard
💛💛 Substandard
💛 Unsatisfactory
*Relative to similar-class properties
Overview
At-a-Glance
Date of stay: September 2023
Length of stay: 1 night / 2 days
Trip type: Couples getaway
Property type: Historic estate turned luxury family-friendly urban oasis
Tailor-made for: Foodies, those in need of a getaway, and history enthusiasts
Highlights
The food was the unexpected standout here and our dinner was the best meal we’ve had in Texas — the husband and wife executive chef and pastry chef team at Lutie’s have serious culinary pedigrees and the dining throughout the estate was exceptionally-well-executed southern fare
The property itself is character-filled and well-preserved
Southern hospitality service philosophy - welcome ranch waters (or hibiscus and lime zero-proof cocktails) on arrival, and homemade peach jam preserves at checkout
Set in the heart of Austin but lots of green spaces, fountains, and sunken gardens to explore
Delicious breakfast with perfectly-prepared pastries
Gallery Room was functional and spacious with lots of distinctive charm and access to a lovely courtyard with fountain
Nice but small pool with sunscreen and oil
Wheelchair and stroller-friendly property
Good to Know
There is not much to do here, though a major expansion is supposedly in the works
No spa
The hotel offers lots of kid-friendly activities and programming in summer months
While the estate itself is beautiful, the area around the estate is not so easy on the eyes, and is visible from the pool and most outdoor common areas
The service was warm but felt more like a 4-star hotel — for example, no one asked to help us with our luggage on arrival or at checkout
Value here is fair depending on the room type and time of year you book
